Lower Thames Valley Conservation Authority (LTVCA) officials say there is a risk of flooding along the Lake Erie shore in Chatham-Kent.
Jason Homewood, water resources and regulations technician with the LTVCA, said in a press release that weather forecasts are calling for strong southwesterly winds on Lake Erie early this afternoon.
“These winds are forecasted to peak between noon and early this evening with the sustained winds up to 42 km/hour and with gusts predicted up to 63 km/hour depending on thunderstorm activity,” Homewood said.
“Environment Canada currently has a Strong Wind Warning in effect for the western Lake Erie basin and their Marine Forecasts are predicting wave heights in western Lake Erie to reach 2 m (~6.5 feet) in height. Water levels on Lake Erie in the Erieau region are approximately 0.36 cm (14”) below the all-time record high monthly average from 1986.”
Homewood said southwesterly winds will be driving the waves onto the Lake Erie shoreline in Chatham-Kent and Elgin County.
“There is a risk that wave action could damage shoreline protection works and cause shoreline erosion,” he said.
“There could also be localized flooding due to waves crashing against the shoreline protection spraying water up onto the land. Residents in vulnerable areas along the Lake Erie shoreline should be prepared. The predicted wind speeds and wave heights are similar to, or slightly greater than, those that caused flooding and shoreline damage earlier this year along Erie Shore Drive in Chatham-Kent. Residents should pay close attention to the weather.”
Homewood said people should take extra caution and avoid the shoreline should conditions get rough.
“The waves can be strong and the shoreline slippery,” he said.
“There could also be hazardous debris within the waves and water. Standing water can also present its own unseen hazards. Children, pets and livestock should be kept away from the water.”
LTVCA officials will continue to monitor the situation and update this advisory if necessary.
This message will be in effect until August 23.
– Photo credit: Municipality of Chatham-Kent
